How do you decide you need to see a psychiatrist and tell your family?

Do you need to tell them?

jania59,
I'm so sorry you are suffering, and it appears you are suffering in silence without any support.
Re: telling your family, mdk1960, gave a great option. If telling your family is scary, and they don't already know you have been suffering and on medication, mdk1960 option is a KISS immediate solution. Then you can focus on what doctor options are available and best for you, now!! I buried this part of my reply, so you wouldn't write my reply off. You stated at the end of your post, I am scared.....if you are scared you will seriously harm your self and don't have or want to tell friends or family, then , right now, call or text 988 or another warmline(you are hurting and overwhelmed, but not suicidal) or a hotline ( you may be suicidal). These are very short term fixes, but they will listen and may have suggestions for how you move on and/or tell your family. Depression and anxiety are bitches/gremlins to live with. I wish I didn't know this, but I do, mine are kicking my ass 24/7. OMG, don't they ever get tired of attacking us. I am sending good vibes to you, lol, like that is gonna help, right. Good good luck Shelley

I have a family member who suffers with mental illness. She refuses medication. I would be thrilled if she told me she was consulting with a psychiatrist. She saw one years ago, but didn’t follow up. To me, it’s great news to get help, it’s difficult seeing a family member suffer.

Celia16,I agree having family support with mental illness can be very beneficial; but it can be very difficult if the family doesn't support you, for a myriad of reasons.
Your family member is blessed to have you in their corner and that you support treatment.
My younger brother and I both have mental illness, so we know we have each other but we also try not to be pushy or bring up "so, how are you doing " every time we talk. But our parents, now deceased, and our living older brother didn't/don't /won't , be supportive. They believe that mental health is in our heads(well, I guess it is actually 🤪),. Their views included, go to church more, pray more, get over it and get back to being the good child/sibling that you were/are. So, both of us, didn't bring up our mental health when we were around our parents, we both felt it kept the peace and that was best.
My younger brother takes meds and they help him, I don't take any meds because they don't help me.
More for my younger brother, I wish my parents could have wholeheartedly accepted him, prior to passing away. Can we adopt you to be our sister that accepts us😉 Shelley

I’m so sorry that the support wasn’t there. It’s hard to fathom. I’ve been an avid reader since childhood, so I’ve always felt mental health care is as important as treatment for heart disease or diabetes. Not a moral issue, but a medical one.

Sending positive vibes and well wishes to all who are hurting and in need of care.

Thank you!

If she is bipolar, my daughter’s sister in law is and there is a battle sometimes when she goes off her meds. She is beautiful in looks and personality, she is a dedicated assistant director of a nursing home. She does have a fantastic support system, a great boyfriend of 10 years, and a great boss who has said he is there to support whatever she needs. When her meds are straightened she is so kind and gentle. She has only had 3 non-compliant situations, she was placed on a 72hr hold. This last time she was held for more than a week.

Thank you for your note. I feel sometimes that I can’t tell my daughters, have some issues with some sisters so I don’t tell them, and I have told my husband but he doesn’t know what to say. Maybe hold me, say you love me and WE will get through this together. My husband has no clue

Thank you. I think my comment about being scared is more from having to go through the new meds routine. They can make things worse…. I need to sit my husband down and talk after my appointment.

Shelley, you have such a fun personality! I am going to ask for GeneSight which is a DNA test that points out the best antidepressants and anti anxiety meds that will work for me. Cross your fingers! I will let you know.